History 3311

Ancient Near East and Classical World

Spring 2005

Instructor: Dr. Justin Stephens

Lecture: T Th 12:30-1:45, Pafford 204

Office: TLC 3221

Office Hours: 11-12 and 1-2 MWF and by appointment

Email: jstephen@westga.edu

Course Description:

This course is a survey of ancient Near Eastern and Classical Mediterranean civilizations. One purpose of the course is to examine how the development of Western Civilization has been shaped by the civilizations of the ancient Near East and Classical Mediterranean world. A second purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the historical method. More specifically, students will learn how to read primary sources critically and how to use these sources when making a historical argument.

Learning Outcomes:

Students who complete this course will:

• Have the ability to demonstrate both verbally and in writing a basic knowledge of ancient Near Eastern and ancient Mediterranean history.
• Have a better understanding of philosophical, religious, political and cultural heritages that have helped to shape Western Civilization.
• Learn the fundamental methods of historical inquiry.
• Have improved writing and critical thinking skills.

Course Requirements:

1. Students are expected to attend all lectures and be prepared to discuss all assigned readings for the day.

2. There will be two midterm exams and final exam for this course. All exams will consist of short identifications and essay questions. Students are required to bring a bluebook for the exam.

3. There are two short paper assignments for this course. The assignment length, topic and requirements will be announced at a later date in class.

Grading:

Class Participation: 10%

First Exam: 15%

Second Exam: 20%

First Paper: 10%

Second Paper: 15%

Final Exam: 30%

Cheating:

Cheating or Plagiarism of any kind will result in an "F" for the course and further disciplinary action may be taken. If you have questions regarding plagiarism, consult the History Department website where you will find plagiarism defined in the FAQ link. If you have any further questions, see me before the first

Books:

Laws, Gods and Heroes, Drake et al

Epic of Gilgamesh, Penguin Classics

The Early History of Rome, Livy

Four Texts on Socrates, ed. Starry West et al

On the True Doctrine, Celsus (on order)

Lecture and Reading Schedule:

Week 1:

Jan. 11 (T): Course Introduction

Jan. 13 (Th): The Ancient Near East

Week 2:

Jan. 18 (T): Discussion: Epic of Gilgamesh

Jan. 20 (Th): Discussion: Hammurabi (LGH, pp. 21-31)

Week 3:

Jan. 25 (T): The Gift of the Nile

Jan. 27 (Th): Discussion: Book of the Dead (handout); (LGH, pp. 47-48)

Week 4:

Feb. 1 (T): Religious Reform (LGH, pp. 45-47; 49-51; 60-61)

Feb. 3 (Th): The Hebrews

Week 5:

Feb. 8 (T): Discussion: (LGH, pp. 51-60)

Feb 10 (Th): Persians and Assyrians

Week 6:

Feb. 15 (T): First Exam

Feb. 17 (Th): The Origins of Greece (LGH, pp. 67-89)

Week 7:

Feb. 22 (T): Archaic Age Greece (LGH, pp. 90-91)

Feb. 24 (TH): Sparta and Athens (LGH, pp. 111-113: Xenophon)

Week 8:

Mar. 1 (T): Golden Age of Athens

Mar. 3 (Th): Science and Sophists and War (LGH, pp. 92-110; 113-125)

Week 9:

Mar. 8 (T): Discussion: Aristophanes The Clouds

Mar. 10 (Th): First Paper Due; Discussion: Plato Apology, Crito, Phaedo

Week 10:

Mar. 15 (T): Alexander and the Hellenistic World (LGH, pp. 137-149)

Mar. 17 (Th): Second Exam

Week 11:

Mar. 29 (T): TBA

Mar. 31 (Th): Roman Heroes (LGH 149-163; Livy 33-101)

Week 12:

Apr. 5 (T): Res Publica (LGH 171-173; Livy 105-143)

Apr. 7 (Th): Early Empire

Week 13:

Apr. 12 (T): Second Paper Due; Discussion: Celsus On the True Doctrine

Apr. 14 (Th): Christianity Succeeds (LGH, pp. 207-219)

Week 14:

Apr. 19 (T): Christianity and the State (LGH, pp. 235-238)

Apr. 21 (Th): The Late Empire

Week 15:

Apr. 26 (T): TBA

Apr. 28 Th): TBA

Final Exam:

Thursday, May 5, 11 am-1 pm